KEEPING fit is part of the weekly routine for 100 years young Alice Boulter.

So to mark her 100th birthday, regulars at the keep fit sessions at Middlesbrough’s Newport Day Centre gave Alice a surprise party.

Alice regularly attends Health Through Activity Group sessions at the centre. And according to her youngest daughter Jo Scratcherd, who cares for her mum in central Middlesbrough, keep fit is all part of her lust for life.

And as for her secret of a long life, Jo said: “She hasn’t really got one, except to stay positive and enjoy life.”

The Health Through Activity Group is one of a number of activities organised by the Retired Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) and West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) to encourage the over 50s to live healthier, more active lives.

Linda Broadhead, chairman of WMNT said: “We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Alice and hope she had a wonderful party with her friends at the Health Through Activity Group.

“This group is just one of the ways we are encouraging older people to stay active in a friendly atmosphere and we hope Alice enjoys many more parties there.”

Alice – and 24 other members – attend the group once a week on a Friday to enjoy a series of gentle exercises to help them stay active.

The Health Through Activity Group runs at Newport Neighbourhood Centre every Friday from 10am to 11.30am. New members are always welcome.